On Monday, satellite imagery indicates North Korea has been testing rocket engines to develop long-range ballistic missiles that can strike Hawaii and California, according to a US academic institute.

According to the Houston Chronicle, “the analysis provided to The Associated press is based on satellite images taken as recently as late September of the Sohae site on the secretive country’s northwest country’s northwest coast. In April, the North launched a rocket from there in a failed attempt to propel a satellite into space in defiance of a UN ban.”

The US Korea Institute at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies ’38 North’ Website posted its analysis and it remains uncertain whether Pyongyang is preparing another rocket launch but said it would embark on new rocket and nuclear tests in the near future.

As reported by the Houston Chronicle, “the analysis underscores the challenges posed by the North’s weapons programs to the United States and its allies as President Barack Obama heads into his second term. Washington’s most recent attempt to negotiate a freeze in the North’s nuclear program and a test moratorium in exchange for food aid collapsed with the April launch that the US regarded as a cover for testing ballistic missile technology.”

Apparently, the North Korean regime feels emboldened by President Barack Obama’s perceived foreign policy weaknesses and anticipates the US President to bring his global apology tour to Pyongyang.